There will always be people who need to draw blood and take tissue samples to detect bacteria, fungi, or microorganisms, so that a diagnosis can be made, and proper treat for illnesses administered. As a phlebotomist, also known as a clinical laboratory technician, you will work directly with patients, ask them questions, make them feel comfortable, take and label specimens, and work under the supervision of a clinical supervisor or manager to provide assistance to patients that are ill or disabled.

You may be required to work with infectious specimens. You will be required to follow sterilization procedures, proper use of masks, gloves, and protective gear. Generally, employers prefer to hire individuals with certification. A certification typically takes about a year or less for study and testing. In an entry-level job, you will learn to extract blood for testing or transfusions, draw blood from an infant's head, or the scalp of a geriatric patient. You will learn to match blood for transfusions, prepare specimens for examination, analyses of body fluid and cells, and test for drug levels in blood to determine if the patient is responding properly to the medication prescribed to aid them in their recover. You can work in labs, donor centers, clinics, nursing homes, and hospitals anywhere in the nation. In a relatively short amount of time, you will have a career to look forward to.